ABSTRACT
There is debate about the advantages and disadvantages of scrubbing with a brush. These include potentially increasing irritancy, as well as actually increasing infection risks as prolonged skin-brushing may adversely draw organisms from deep pores onto the surface of the skin. The optimum length of scrub time is hard to determine, varies from person to person and there is some evidence even for seasonal changes. The most commonly accepted advice is to use the brush only for fingernails, and to wash the hands and forearm vigorously for several minutes in total. If in doubt check the local protocol.
